Renew Flower Pots with Spray Paint

If you’re tired of your dirty and dull plant containers, try renewing the planters with a fresh coat of spray paint. It’s a simple project that will add new life to your garden.

Once upon a time, I bought plant containers because I liked the shape and the color. If they were at least 18 inches in diameter, they could hold all the plants and soil and life was good. I especially liked terra cotta and bright blue colored containers. And then somewhere along the way, I realized that a mishmash of planters made for a messy container display. And that’s when I discovered the power of spray paint to transform my planters from eclectic to elegant.

How to Spray Paint Plastic Flower Pots

In spring, I gathered up my collection of faded foam and plastic containers and transformed them with a fresh coat of spray paint. I decided on Rust-Oleum Black with a Satin finish. Basic black functions in the garden just the same as it does in your wardrobe. It’s the ultimate neutral, allowing the flowers and the foliage to do what they do best, put on their show and not visually compete with the container.

I’ve used the foam containers pictured here about 20 years now and they do a good job. The foam is lightweight and they’re easy to move. I also kinda like the way they’ve aged, with the rims chipping away.

This spring, I found a few more planters in my parents’ backyard, just ripe for a coat of spray paint. My eye goes to the green plastic urn on the left. I like its classic shape and think it will look pretty smart dressed up with black spray paint.

Here’s how I cleaned and painted the planters.

How to Clean and Paint Planters

1. Pick an area outside to clean and paint the planters. Put down a paint cloth or paper to protect the surface.
2. Wipe down planter surface with a soft cloth.
3. Clean with a detergent (I used Oxi-Clean dissolved in water)over the entire surface of the planters. I used a galvanized tub filled with water and detergent.
4. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
5. Shake the paint can for at least 60 seconds.
6. Wear disposable gloves and protective eyewear, if needed.
7. Spray with a steady back and forth motion, making sure to get inside the pots and the under surface.
8. Let dry overnight.

And there you have it, lovely containers filled with bright summer annuals, ready for a season of blooms, blooms, blooms.

Spray paint solves patio furniture problems, too. See how a couple cans of spray paint transformed ugly resin Adirondack chairs into stylish updated outdoor furniture.

More on Summer Flower Pots

I refreshed more planters and filled them with annuals. Check out my summer flower pots story on A Cook and Her Books.

Let’s Talk About Gardening

Do you pick up spray paint every spring, along with potting soil and pretty plants? I’d love to hear about your outdoor planter and furniture rescues! The conversation for A Cook and Her Books is on Facebook and Instagram. Follow me there and let’s talk gardening!